Digital File Sharing – Digital Copyright Tools |
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Most broadband Internet users are familiar with the digital file sharing debate. Just as watermarks and other methods are used to help prevent the illegal copying of actual printed text, there are a number of technologies that have been developed to prevent illegal copying and sharing of copyrighted digital content. Learn more about some of the more common methods that are being used today to deter the illegal distribution of digital copyrighted material. Digital File Sharing – Digital Copyright ToolsDigital Rights Management refers to methods that are used to protect copyrighted digital material. There are currently a number of ways this is achieved. For example, in some cases, DRM attempts to check that the identity of the person is who they say they are, and that they have permission to view the song, movie or other digital file they want to view and share. While some say that this is an invasion of privacy, the interesting part is that this process happens every time you use your credit card for purchases. Digital File Sharing - CookiesNo, not the ones you can eat. In the digital world, cookies refer to bookmarks that are used by Web masters and organizations to help them identify you when you visit a Web site. Cookies allow Web site owners to understand exactly who is visiting their site and how many individuals are visiting it at any one time, etc.
Digital File Sharing – Video GamesVideo games are also now using DRM tools to prevent the illegal copying of their products. For example, one company called Valve Software, which made Halflife and Halflife 2, uses a product called Steam. Steam is a content delivery and digital rights management system used to protect Valve Software’s products. Digital File Sharing – Online MusicPerhaps the best hope the digital community has for successfully implementing DRM and winning the debate over sharing digital copyrighted material is in the music industry. As of 2005, there are a host of online music companies that use DRM to allow users to legally use their products. Some of these companies offer millions of songs that can be downloaded and burned to CDs. As the number of companies providing this service increases, the competition will increase and the price that users have to pay for downloading individual songs will decrease. (Although in some cases it’s already quite low, less than $1 a song). iTunes and Windows Media Player are only two examples of companies that provide a large selection of music to readers that can be copied and shared. |
